Don't Worry about a Thing

December 18, 2007

By Ashleigh W., Hartland, WI

I think I was a hippie in my past life. I’m all about peace, diversity and equality. I love volunteering because I get to experience all of the above. When you live in a community where 90% of people are Caucasian, it’s fun to experience life outside of the suburbs. The people I help have issues, but don’t we all? People living in the inner city are affected more by problems kids in the suburbs would never think about, for example poverty. It does not mean, however, that because they live in the city they abuse drugs, can’t hold a job, or get in gang fights every day. Yes, I understand there are struggling communities, but I’m sick of the stereotypes. I honestly think kids would be able to get along better if these stereotypes didn’t exist. If someone sees two kids of the same sex holding hands or hugging they might get the impression they’re gay. Why does it matter? People express themselves in different ways. I don’t hate on the jock who secretly loves *N SYNC, so why should he hate on the kid who’s gay? So, what matters to me? Being able to spend my time with those less fortunate and those who need it. It’s not a charity case, though. It’s about getting to know people for who they are. I don’t care about who they find attractive, who they’re voting for, or how they live their life. Respect, it’s that easy. If we could all learn to respect each other, things would start to change. But for now, like Bob Marley says perfectly, “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be all right.”

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